Use a power converter[7](or voltage transformer) - you can then use your existing curling iron and other applicances with a 230 volt Kosovan power outlet, however this is noticeably heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel curling iron. A power converter changes the voltage but won't change the actual physical shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit in the power outlet used in Kosovo, therefore please check that your voltage transformer includes an appropriate power adapter for Kosovo otherwise you will also need to bring another power adapter. Also worth noting that your domestic curling iron might not be suitable for travel and you risk damage in your suitcase.

Warning: If your curling iron won't handle 230 volts you run the potential risk of blowing a fuse, damage to your curling iron or even an electrical fire hazard. Before attempting to use your curling iron in Kosovo read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a curling iron in Kosovo

Will my curling iron work in Kosovo?

It depends on if your curling iron is designed to operate using the 230 volts used in Kosovo:

If you're using either a dual voltage curling iron or your curling iron can operate using 230 volts and you have the appropriate power adapter then you should be able to use your curling iron in Kosovo.

What is the frequency used with a Kosovan power outlet?

What mains voltage is used in Kosovo?

Which plug adapter do you need to bring when using a curling iron in Kosovo?

There are two types of power outlets used in Kosovo, types F and C with the primary power outlets being type F:

Plug Type C - The wall outlet (known as the Europlug) can be identified by the 2 round adjacent holes.

Plug Type F - The recessed round wall outlet, technically known as a Schuko plug or type F power outlet, can be identified by two large adjacent holes next to each other for live and neutral pins and two thin grounding clips above and below.

Dual voltage curling irons

How can you tell if your curling iron is dual voltage?

A simple way to tell if your curling iron supports dual voltage is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle or plug of the curling iron. This location might vary depending on the make or model of your curling iron, it should also state on the box. Some dual voltage models might change automatically, however other irons will feature a switch which allows you to change between different regions.

Single voltage might say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 230 volts used in Kosovo then you should be able to use your curling iron with a Kosovan power outlet.

Single voltage might also have a small voltage range with a dash to accomodate small voltage fluctuations - such as 100-120V. If the 230 volts used in a Kosovan power outlet falls within the range shown on your curling iron then you should be able to use it in Kosovo.

Dual voltage will typically say a large voltage range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your curling iron will be capable of being used in Kosovo or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Kosovo with a curling iron

Can you take a curling iron in your carry on to Kosovo?

According to the TSA guidelines for curling irons[10] there is no restriction on carrying a mains powered curling iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA recommends that you should verify that your airline which is taking you to Kosovo will allow a curling iron onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft.
Packing the curling irons in a dedicated heat resistant protective hot tools travel case[11] leaves it easily accessible for airport security checks, it can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of power cables in your carry on luggage (the TSA advices wrapping cords tightly around electronic items). If you do intend to pack fragile or expensive curling irons in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to use hard carry on luggage as this provides the greatest protection against knocks and bumps during transit.

Power converters for Kosovo

Will a power converter work with a curling iron in Kosovo?

A voltage transformer[7](or power converter) will allow a curling iron using a different voltage to operate with the 230 volt power outlet used in Kosovo. Travellers wishing to use their existing curling iron can use a power converter, however it can be more expensive to purchase a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel curling iron[2]. Also worth noting, a travel curling iron can be substantially lighter and smaller than a power converter making a travel curling iron more suitable when packing in luggage.

What is the difference between a power adapter and a voltage converter?

A lightweight, cheap and small power adapter[12](or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your curling iron to fit into a power outlet found in Kosovo, whereas a heavy and bulkier power converter[7] converts a 230 volt Kosovan power outlet to work with a non-230 volt curling iron.

Travelling to Kosovo with a curling iron

It is preferable to packing a dual voltage curling iron as opposed to bringing your existing domestic curling iron to Kosovo as it is safer to assume that it will operate correctly with the 230 volt power outlets used with a Kosovan power outlet, provided that you use the correct power adapter for Kosovo.

Be aware that bringing your expensive domestic curling iron might place it at risk because of potential loss or damage in transit by a baggage handlers in Kosovo.
The cost of repairing or replacing an expensive quality domestic curling iron in Kosovo could be higher than purchasing a much cheaper dual voltage travel curling iron[2] before setting off.
If you intend to pack your own curling iron in your suitcase it is recommended to either slot it inside a sneaker or boot to protect from light knocks, alternatively use a shockproof and heat resistant hot tools travel case[11] which also allows the curling iron to be packed right after use without waiting to cool down.

How to use a curling iron in Kosovo using a type C power adapter

The WikiConnections guide on how to power your curling iron in Kosovo using a 2 prong Type C travel charger.

Please ensure that the curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron[2] or can work with a 230 volt power outlet but if not then do not continue as you may blow a fuse, damage your curling iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Before using a dual voltage travel curling iron which can toggle between different voltages make sure you have set it to the 230 volt setting - please refer to the owners manual for more information on how to do this.

You'll need to use a Type C plug adapter[4] if the type of plug used on your curling iron isn't the same type of power outlet used in Kosovo. The plug adapter will fit different plugs from other countries into a power outlet used in Kosovo by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 230 volt supply.

Begin the process by inserting the Type C plug adapter into the Kosovan power outlet. This plug outlet, also called the Europlug, can be identified by the 2 adjacent holes next to each other where the plug outlet pins go.

Then plug in the curling iron into the Type C plug adapter.

Switch on the Kosovan power outlet.

You can now switch on the curling iron in Kosovo.

How to use a curling iron in Kosovo using a type F power adapter

Learn how to power your curling iron in Kosovo using a 2 prong Type F travel charger.

Please make sure that your curling iron is either a dual voltage travel curling iron[2] or can work with a 230 volt power supply but if not then do not continue because you may create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your iron. Dual voltage curling irons usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before using the iron make sure you have set it to the 230 volt setting - refer to the owners manual for more details on how to do this.

If the shape of the power outlet which is used in Kosovo doesn't take the plug shape on your curling iron you'll need to buy a Type F plug adapter[6]. The plug adapter helps adapt different plugs on appliances from other countries into a power outlet found in Kosovo by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the curling iron to work with a 230 volt supply.

Start the process by inserting the Type F plug adapter into the power outlet. You can identify this plug outlet by two large circular holes 19 mm next to each other along with thin metal grounding clips on the top and bottom.